{"id":529,"date":"2026-10-11T20:47:38","date_gmt":"2026-10-11T11:47:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/decks.katagata.work\/weblog\/?p=529"},"modified":"2026-10-11T20:47:38","modified_gmt":"2026-10-11T11:47:38","slug":"%e3%82%a8%e3%83%b3%e3%82%bc%e3%83%ab%e3%83%88%e3%83%a9%e3%83%b3%e3%83%97%e3%81%aeex%e3%81%a8ex%e3%81%98%e3%82%83%e3%81%aa%e3%81%84%e3%81%ae%e3%82%92%e6%af%94%e3%81%b9%e3%81%a6%e3%81%bf%e3%81%9f","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/decks.katagata.work\/weblog\/en\/archives\/529","title":{"rendered":"I Compared the &#8220;EX&#8221; and &#8220;Non-EX&#8221; Versions of Angel Playing Cards"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When it comes to plastic playing cards worldwide, Copag and KEM are the names that come to mind, but I don\u2019t own any of those\u2026 As for the reasonably well-known cards I do have, I own a set of affordable, high-quality Japanese Angel Playing Cards. However, this brand comes in two versions\u2014one with \u201cEX\u201d at the end of the model number and one without\u2014and since I\u2019ve been curious about the difference for a while, I laid them out side by side to compare their textures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">I\u2019ve lined up the following three sets. I selected them all based on the criteria that they are plastic and Bridge size.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Translated with DeepL.com (free version)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.co.jp\/dp\/B003APV6UU\">Angel Playing Cards SGNNBRG\uff08\u201cSugo-playing-cards\u201d Red\u2014Exclusively for Plastic Contract Bridges\uff09<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Angel Playing Cards\uff08\u578b\u756a\u672b\u5c3eEX\uff0fURL\u306a\u3057\uff09<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.co.jp\/dp\/B07G7ZQL9Y\">Angel Playing Cards SPNN832\uff08<\/a>Plastic Playing Cards<a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.co.jp\/dp\/B07G7ZQL9Y\">\uff09<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The EX-series playing cards aren&#8217;t available on Amazon, and sometimes they&#8217;re in stock at toy stores or convenience stores, and sometimes they&#8217;re not.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/decks.katagata.work\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/IMG_0175-2-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-520\" srcset=\"https:\/\/decks.katagata.work\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/IMG_0175-2-1024x768-1.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/decks.katagata.work\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/IMG_0175-2-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/decks.katagata.work\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/IMG_0175-2-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/decks.katagata.work\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/IMG_0175-2-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/decks.katagata.work\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/IMG_0175-2-2048x1536.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">From left to right: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.co.jp\/dp\/B003APV6UU\">\u201cSugo-playing-cards\u201d Red<\/a>, \u201cEX Model Number,\u201d and \u201cSPNN832\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Conclusion: There are differences in texture and embossing between the non-EX and EX versions.<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">I found that the SPNN832 (non-EX) is the least expensive model of the three (the blue one), and that it differs from the EX model in terms of its embossed finish. The SPNN832 has a smoother texture, and the rough feel characteristic of the EX model is less pronounced. I didn\u2019t notice the difference until I touched them side by side, but they are definitely different.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/decks.katagata.work\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/IMG_0176-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-521\" srcset=\"https:\/\/decks.katagata.work\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/IMG_0176-1024x768-1.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/decks.katagata.work\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/IMG_0176-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/decks.katagata.work\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/IMG_0176-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/decks.katagata.work\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/IMG_0176-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/decks.katagata.work\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/IMG_0176-2048x1536.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">However, the SPNN832 also features different embossing on the front and back, making the cards prone to slipping\u2014just like the EX and Sugitram cards. This design\u2014using different embossing on the front and back to make the cards slippery\u2014appears to be common to all three products.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/decks.katagata.work\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/IMG_0177-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-522\" srcset=\"https:\/\/decks.katagata.work\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/IMG_0177-1024x768-1.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/decks.katagata.work\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/IMG_0177-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/decks.katagata.work\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/IMG_0177-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/decks.katagata.work\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/IMG_0177-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/decks.katagata.work\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/IMG_0177-2048x1536.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>It might just be a matter of personal preference, but in terms of the high-end finish, I think the EX model is superior to the SPNN832.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>What&#8217;s the difference between EX and Sugo-playing-cards?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>When it comes to the EX model and the Sugo-playing-cards (SGNNBRG), I could barely feel any difference in their texture as playing cards. <\/strong>They likely use the exact same embossing. The easiest way to tell them apart visually is that the Sugo-playing-cards feature a square label on the box, making them instantly distinguishable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/decks.katagata.work\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/IMG_0181-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-523\" srcset=\"https:\/\/decks.katagata.work\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/IMG_0181-1024x768-1.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/decks.katagata.work\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/IMG_0181-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/decks.katagata.work\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/IMG_0181-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/decks.katagata.work\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/IMG_0181-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/decks.katagata.work\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/IMG_0181-2048x1536.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Thickness<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">All three products are thicker than the NAP series I mentioned in my previous <a href=\"https:\/\/decks.katagata.work\/weblog\/archives\/331\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">comparison of Nintendo&#8217;s NAP series<\/a>. If a friend asked me to recommend a bridge-sized deck of playing cards, I would choose these three Angel products over the NAP series.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Face Cards<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It\u2019s a minor detail, but I also liked the fact that the skin areas of the face (court) cards are actually colored in a flesh tone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/decks.katagata.work\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/IMG_0178-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-524\" srcset=\"https:\/\/decks.katagata.work\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/IMG_0178-1024x768-1.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/decks.katagata.work\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/IMG_0178-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/decks.katagata.work\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/IMG_0178-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/decks.katagata.work\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/IMG_0178-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/decks.katagata.work\/weblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/IMG_0178-2048x1536.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Cases \/ A Word of Caution (or Cases)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">One thing to note is that the included cases do not have a secure lock mechanism. The lids can easily pop open during transport, causing the cards to scatter, so they might not be ideal for situations where luggage tends to get handled roughly, such as a school field trip. They seem much better suited for use at home or on a desk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Summary<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">To wrap up, the conclusion of this comparison is that the EX and Sugo-playing-cards are virtually identical on the inside, while the SPNN832 has a slightly different embossed texture that feels a bit cheaper compared to the other two, though the anti-slip structure on the front and back is shared across all of them. All three are thicker than Nintendo\u2019s NAP series and make great recommendations for anyone looking for bridge-sized cards, but just keep in mind that the lack of a locking case makes them less than ideal for carrying around.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>When it comes to plastic playing cards worldwide, Copag and KEM are the names that come to mind, but I don\u2019t own any of those\u2026 As for the reasonably well-known cards I do have, I own a set of affordable, high-quality Japanese Angel Playing Cards. However, this brand comes in two versions\u2014one with \u201cEX\u201d at [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":521,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_locale":"en_US","_original_post":"https:\/\/decks.katagata.work\/weblog\/?p=514","footnotes":""},"categories":[21,28],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-529","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-decks-en","category-en","en-US"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/decks.katagata.work\/weblog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/529","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/decks.katagata.work\/weblog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/decks.katagata.work\/weblog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/decks.katagata.work\/weblog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/decks.katagata.work\/weblog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=529"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/decks.katagata.work\/weblog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/529\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":530,"href":"https:\/\/decks.katagata.work\/weblog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/529\/revisions\/530"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/decks.katagata.work\/weblog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/521"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/decks.katagata.work\/weblog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=529"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/decks.katagata.work\/weblog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=529"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/decks.katagata.work\/weblog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=529"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}